Vizhinjam port begins EXIM operations to strengthen India's maritime trade, says Adani Ports CEO
The Vizhinjam port in Kerala has commenced full-fledged Export-Import (EXIM) operations, marking a significant milestone in India's maritime infrastructure. Ashwani Gupta, Chief Executive Officer and Whole-time Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), announced the launch during an inauguration event, describing the port as a gateway connecting Kerala's talent, India's enterprise, and the aspirations of millions to global markets.
Gupta emphasised that the port's purpose extends beyond cargo movement. It is designed to serve India's broader goals of self-reliance, global competitiveness, and maritime leadership. He noted that the Vizhinjam project is part of the Adani Group's wider commitment to Kerala and its infrastructure-led growth. With the Phase II investment, the group's cumulative investment in the project will reach ₹30,000 crore, which Gupta said is the largest investment committed by any business house in Kerala. This investment is expected to expand critical infrastructure, strengthen connectivity, and improve the business environment in the state.
The transition to EXIM operations carries wider implications for India's maritime trade efficiency. Currently, more than 75 per cent of India's container transshipment cargo is handled through foreign ports, leading to higher logistics costs and longer transit times. Vizhinjam's location near major East-West shipping routes positions it as a viable alternative. By reducing reliance on overseas transshipment hubs, the port can shorten transit times and improve supply chain efficiency, helping India retain greater value from its maritime trade.
Commercial operations at Vizhinjam began on December 3, 2024. Since then, the port has handled more than 2.28 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and 1,100 vessels, including over 80 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). The port crossed 1 million TEUs in just 10 months and 2 million TEUs in 18 months, demonstrating its ability to operate at global scale.
The initial EXIM catchment area covers Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, giving businesses across south India direct access to international shipping networks. This is expected to support the competitiveness of manufacturing and commercial centres such as Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and Tiruppur. The development is also likely to drive demand for logistics, warehousing, freight forwarding, and related services. According to Gupta, the project will create more than 5,000 additional direct and indirect jobs, opening new opportunities across the maritime and logistics ecosystem.
The next phase of development will further expand Vizhinjam's capacity and supporting infrastructure. The ₹16,000-crore Phase II expansion will raise annual capacity to 5.7 million TEUs, add 1,200 metres of container berth, and bring permanent rail connectivity, enhanced road connectivity, logistics parks, warehousing, and other supporting infrastructure. Accelerated full-phase development is targeted for December 2028.
Industry analysts note that Vizhinjam's full development could significantly alter India's maritime trade dynamics. By offering a deep-water port capable of handling ultra-large vessels, it addresses a long-standing gap in India's port infrastructure. The port's progress will be closely watched as it seeks to attract global shipping lines and redirect transshipment traffic from hubs like Colombo and Singapore.
The inauguration of EXIM operations at Vizhinjam represents a concrete step toward reducing India's structural dependence on foreign ports. While challenges remain, including the need for robust connectivity and competitive pricing, the port's strategic location and phased expansion plans offer a promising path for India's maritime future.
